This story was updated to include the deceased man's identity, after a Wednesday-evening interview with Teton County Coroner Brent Blue.
The lone occupant of a cabin in Teton County was found dead early Wednesday morning after the cabin caught fire, authorities say.
The Teton County Communications Center received a 911 call at 2:13 a.m. Wednesday in which the caller said a cabin off Sagebrush Drive had caught fire.
Later, someone reported the cabin was occupied, according to a statement by Jackson Hole Fire and Emergency Medical Services.
Emergency personnel responded, including Teton County Sheriff’s deputies, fire and emergency medical services (EMS) workers, and personnel from both Jackson Hole Fire/EMS and Grand Teton National Park, the statement says.
A sheriff’s deputy tried to rescue the cabin’s lone occupant, but the fire and smoke did not allow the deputy inside, the statement says.
Jackson Hole Fire Engine 11 arrived and started suppressing the fire, and the crew gained control of the blaze.
But the cabin’s occupant had died, says the statement,
Teton County Coroner Brent Blue told Cowboy State Daily on Wednesday evening that the decedent was Rollie Wells Knori, 28 of Jackson. His official cause and manner of death will be released after the death investigation, Blue added.
‘Worked Valiantly To Save A Life’
More fire units arrived at the fire during that early morning effort, the statement continues. Those included engines, water tenders and ambulances from Jackson Hole Fire Station 1 in Jackson, Stations 2 and 6 in Wilson, Station 7 in Adams Canyon and the Grand Teton National Park Station in Moose.
By 2:36 a.m., Jackson Hole Fire incident commander Capt. Austin Sessions had reported the fire controlled, the statement says.
Overall, 33 fire department members helped with the suppression, the statement relates from Jackson Hole Fire Deputy Chief of Operations Brian Coe.
No first responders were hurt, reportedly.
“First responders worked valiantly to save a life with the reports that the cabin was occupied,” says Coe in the statement. “We are thankful there were no additional injuries and grieve the loss with the family and community.”
Coe could not immediately be reached Wednesday for additional comment. His phone line rang interminably after an attendant transferred Cowboy State Daily to him.
The Good Samaritan Mission brought food and drinks to emergency responders, the statement says.
Jackson Hole Fire Marshal Raymond Lane, the sheriff’s office and the coroner’s office will investigate the fire for a report that will be released “upon completion,” adds the statement.
Teton County Sgt. John Faicco did not immediately respond to a Wednesday-afternoon voicemail request for additional information.
Clair McFarland can be reached at clair@cowboystatedaily.com.
